The best gear for mobile video journalism and mobile filmmaking for broadcast and film.

A Mobile video gear list for making cinematic mobile filmmaking

Below is a list of gear options for mobile video rigs.
I am showing a range of gear that I recommend and use: From basic reporter rigs to broadcast production solutions.
This gear will set you up for every type of mobile video production.

Pricing for the items shown is variable from market to market, so I provide the best available links that will point you to the latest versions offered for sale.

I am not a seller. I am not shipping products. I am an editorial reviewer and independent expert.
I am not paid to promote products, but I will earn a commission if you purchase.

Basic reporter kit

You will need a grip to mount your phone to a tripod.
Mobile Phone metal tripod adapter, 360° Rotatable for iPhone, Samsung, Huawei.
• Smartphone Grip

Then a reliable lav microphone with a cable.
Sennheiser XS Lav USB-C Omnidirectional Clip-On Lavalier Microphone with USB-C Connection and 2 meter Cable for Mobile Journalism.
• Microphone

Rechargeable LED Video Light
Portable and versatile lighting solution that features adjustable color and intensity.
• LED Light

You need a tripod if you do not already own one.

Interview Video Rig

Features a great-sounding mic, a two-mic wireless interview kit, a face light and a solid grip to mount everything together.

Perfect for covering events, personality profiles, and street interviews.

A smartphone video rig.
I have outfitted hundreds of reporters with this simple but professional video rig.

USA mobile video gear for smartphones

If you are ordering in the USA, here is a comparable kit that you can get from USA vendors.

Smartphone video interview kit for around $700 USD.

TIP – Use the wired Røde mic for simple video shoots, Vox-pops, and b-roll shooting. Switch to the Røde mic if wireless mics are not working because of radio interference or the batteries are dead, etc).

Ukraine Mojo gear kits

This is the mobile video gear that the Ukrainian journalists I trained are using for filming professional video. This wired, two mic solution will last a long time and is essentially foolproof. That’s right – no wireless mics.

For trainees, I focus on the essentials: This humble rig is the foundation for more advanced setups.

Ukrainian journalists are conducting an interview in Odessa as part of my one week immersive mobile journalism workshop.

Live kit for Broadcasters

Version 1.0.0

If you already have a tripod and a reporter microphone with a standard XLR connector, you might need only a secure grip. Additionally, you would need a smart adapter to connect your mic to your phone.

• Mobile Phone Metal Tripod Adapter, 360° Rotatable for iPhone, Samsung, Huawei
• XLR to Apple Lightning Microphone Interface Cable for iPhone & iPad (XLR)
• USB C to XLR Female Microphone Cable with Headphone monitoring Jack


Creator mobile video camera kit

This all-in-one action camera with a wireless microphone is designed for social media influencers, creators, and Vloggers.

• Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo with wireless microphone and Face/Object Tracking.

I recommend you include these vital accessories:

• 256Gb memory Card from Sandisk

• Magnetic 4-Pack ND Polarized Filters Set

• Travel Waterproof Hard Case

4K Pro-Res Mobile Filmmaking Cinema Rig

My lightweight cinema rig allows me to capture captivating shots with great sound quality.

Gear list

Mojo Action Kit

Two microphone setup, face light, and gimbal as shown in the gear section of the “Mobile Journalism” textbook. This setup is popular with many of the TV correspondents I have trained. They like that the gimbal can track them in a shot automatically.

If you are filming with the Blackmagic Camera app with your smartphone, you will benefit from this AI-powered gimbal. It supports tracking natively with Apple DockKit.

The Pro Creator combo includes a face light. It works with Android and Apple smartphones. 360° Infinite Pan Tracking.

And you will want a nice-sounding, hassle-free two-mic solution.

The 2-mic wireless kit is the choice for broadcasters and organizations that need pro sound from a reliable brand.

• Gimbal combo
• Wireless 2 microphone kit

Pro video editing rig

The Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve Speed Editor is a handy tool for doing high-quality color correction and editing tasks. With tactile buttons, intelligent shortcuts, and a fantastic jog shuttle, editing is a joy with this uint. It features bluetooth, a rechargeable battery, and a USB-C port.

It pairs well with an iPad Pro via bluetooth to provide a robust video editing suite for field documentary work.

Pro field editing package: The speed editor pairs via bluetooth with an iPad Pro. It works with the DaVinci Resolve video editor app to provide superior color correction tools. These tools are designed for professional documentary work. If you are working with 4K ProRes Apple Log video clips, you should consider adding an external drive. An option is this popular Samsung 4TB model.

This is Rob Layton’s current documentary mobile film rig. Rob adds that the iPad Pro display is color calibrated. You can trust the edits you make in the field. (Full disclosure, Rob and I were presenting together at the International Journalism Festival in Perugia)

Ideal drone for mobile filming

Joerdis was the first German journalist to report mobile journalism stories for Die Welt in 2007.
She reported daily podcasts and picture stories from the world’s largest trans-ocean race.

Today she is a licensed drone filmmaker and this is the drone she carries in her backpack for filming outdoor expeditions across the sea and the Alps

Gear List

Mobile Journalism textbook

“Mobile Journalism” is the textbook for teachers and media students.

he 2025 University Edition of the Mobile Journalism is the preferred set text for professors teaching courses in smartphone video production, mobile journalism, digital marketing, broadcast reporting, and mobile filmmaking. The book is mandatory for students in the Singapore University of Social Sciences Digital Marketing program.

“Mobile Journalism” is a comprehensive guide to multimedia storytelling with smartphones.

The University Edition of the Mobile Journalism textbook.

The book price is USD $60 with instant digital delivery.
Order the book.